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Meet some of our volunteers

Volunteers with Country Cars

Enid Evans has been volunteering as a driver for Country Cars for many years.

Inspired to be a volunteer by her father’s neighbour, who had been an organiser for 17-years, Enid said the opportunity sounded great and she wanted to get involved.

“The amount of time I do varies when it suits me and depending on what bookings we get. On average I do around 6 to 7 hours a week.  I have built great relationships and fond friends. The service users are always very thankful and grateful to be able to go to important appointments that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. 

“It’s marvellous for people to get around and not miss important appointments, and opportunities to socialise.”

Volunteer on duty sign in the front window of a car

A proud volunteer with Country Cars for 15 years, Reg is one of the organisation’s longest serving members. 

As a driver, Reg said one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering is connecting with passengers. He said each trip offers the chance for meaningful conversations, revealing the diverse lives of those he meets: “I really enjoy the chats I have with passengers, everyone has a story to tell, from stories of milking cows to being the first female lecturer at Trinity College.” Volunteering is about more than just driving; it forms relationships and makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Reg emphasises that these interactions not only help others but also enriches his own life. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how my small act of kindness can mean so much to someone else,” he reflects.

Reg’s commitment to Country Cars highlights the profound impact of volunteering on both individuals and communities. If you're considering volunteering, embrace the chance to drive change - one story at a time!

Volunteer behind the wheel of the car

 

Retired farmer, Gwenda, from Pencader became a volunteer with Country Cars to help her meet more people. 

“Before becoming a volunteer, weeks would go by where I wouldn’t see anyone – now I have the chance to socialise and see people regularly,” she said.

As an area organiser and a driver for the Pencader, Alltwalis, Llanllwni areas, Gwenda spends around 2-hours a week volunteering.

She added: “The most rewarding part of volunteering is meeting new people and seeing people I haven’t seen for years. I always get comments from my passengers saying “I don’t know what I would do without you,” it’s very rewarding.” 

Shirley and her late husband moved to Saron, Llandysul in 1990 and began their volunteer efforts with Hospital Cars, and later Country Cars and The Red Cross. 

After early retirement and following her husband’s passing in 2013, Shirley continued volunteering with Country Cars, finding purpose in helping others.

Upon relocating to Carmarthen, Shirley soon became the Area Organiser for Country Cars. She coordinates rides across an expanded coverage area, including regular trips from Pwll Trap to Skanda Vale Hospice.

Her volunteering hours fluctuate with demand, and as an organiser, she manages requests and team coordination while reviewing monthly claim forms. 

Shirley said volunteering has been transformative for her, especially after her loss: “With family far away, helping others has given me a sense of purpose and connection.” Shirley added that despite emotional challenges, the gratitude she receives makes it worthwhile.

Shirley’s journey with Country Cars illustrates the importance of teamwork, ensuring everyone in the community has access to essential transportation. 

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Volunteers with Dolen Teifi

 

David

With over 30-years’ experience of working in hospitals, supporting people through various roles - from hospital porter and healthcare assistant to theatre orderly and driver, David’s deep-rooted dedication to helping others didn’t stop when he retired. Instead, it took on a new life through volunteering with Dolen Teifi Community Transport.

“I’d been helping out with Christmas dinners and running a youth club at the Salvation Army when I met Rod, who was delivering driver training,” David recalls. “He mentioned I could volunteer maybe once or twice a month. I thought, ‘Why not?’ I did the training - and now I’m volunteering three days a week, sometimes even more!”

David’s role involves much more than simply getting behind the wheel. As a community bus driver, he supports passengers across Carmarthenshire, Llanelli, and parts of Ceredigion - offering a helping hand and a warm, familiar face. Whether it’s getting people to medical appointments, social activities, or just out of the house, David is often the reason someone’s day gets that little bit brighter.

“The feedback is always heartwarming,” he says. “People often tell me they don’t know what they’d do without us. That means everything. You really see how just getting out and about can change someone’s whole day. Reliable, friendly transport is a lifeline for so many.”

His advice for anyone considering volunteering?

“Go for it! You don’t need anything special—just compassion and patience. The rewards are huge.”

Roy Davies

“I never imagined that retirement would keep me so busy - but when you're doing something you care about, it doesn't really feel like work. Volunteering with Dolen Teifi in Llanelli has become a huge part of my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Roy Davies, from Llanelli, spent over 10-years in Western Australia, driving for a Care Home in Perth helping older people and wheelchair users get around - to hospital appointments, shopping trips, community events.

When he returned to Wales, Roy started volunteering with Dolen Teifi around 2015, and by 2020 was helping out full-time. 

“There was a real need for reliable community transport here in Llanelli,” said Roy. “I knew I had the skills and time to help. Once you’ve been part of something like this, you can’t just walk away.

“These days, I do a bit of everything. I drive people across Carmarthenshire and further afield, help with the maintenance and checks on the minibuses, and make sure our Llanelli base keeps ticking along. Whether it’s getting the Dial-a-Ride service ready for the day or sorting out a last-minute booking, there’s always something going on - and that’s what I enjoy.”

Roy said he has seen firsthand how much of a difference it makes. “Some people don’t have any other way to get to the places they need to be,” he said. For them, that lift in the minibus isn’t just transport - it’s independence, connection, and a bit of company along the way. Knowing I can help with that, just by giving a few hours of my time, means a lot. 

“There are days when it’s busy, even challenging, but there’s also plenty of laughter, plenty of good people, and plenty of cups of tea. And when I see someone get off the minibus smiling or a family saying thank you because their loved one got to their appointment safely - that’s when I know I’m doing the right thing.”

Mark

After retirement and moving to the Llandysul area with his wife, Mark found himself using the volunteer transport service and experienced firsthand just how limited public transport options are in this part of rural Wales - especially for those with accessibility needs

The 63-year-old has been volunteering with Dolen Teifi Community Transport for just over a year. He said: “That experience stayed with me. When I learned that volunteers were needed to help others in the same situation, it felt like a natural step to give something back.”

As a volunteer driver, Mark can get a call from the office asking if he’s available to take someone from A to B - often for a medical appointment, though it can be for other essential journeys too. He said: “If I’m free, I head to the office on the day, collect a car, and take the client wherever they need to go. I usually wait and then drive them home again. The journeys can be anywhere within a reasonable range - mostly to local hospitals and GP surgeries.

I normally do two or three jobs a week, though that can vary. Even just a few hours can make a huge difference to someone else’s day.”

He added: “If you’re thinking about volunteering for the first time, my advice would be: just do it. You’ll meet a wide range of people you might never otherwise cross paths with.” 

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